To have a reconstruction or not?

I had a double mastectomy with flat closure in 2023 (aged 37) and have always been very happy with my decision, but I understand that it's not for everyone. I found BRCA chat (a charity) to be a useful website, they have a mastectomy gallery to see different types of results and so maybe that helps you to visualise different options? They also have stories from different women and in person and online events which perhaps could help to talk through your options with people who have been through it?

If you have any further questions that I can help with, don't hesitate to reach out. Wishing you the best of luck with the decisions ahead xx

Thank you so much for getting back to me and for sharing some of your life story. Your answer has been very useful. I’ll be looking into the charity you mentioned. 

I truly appreciate your support  thank you xx

Hi I had a double mastectomy with breast reconstruction using implants.  I didn't have enough body tissue.  My sister however opted to go flat with her mastectomy.  I believe it is a personal choice. I am pleased with my surgery and outcomes.  Talking to other people with the BRACA gene is I believe helpful.  

All the best in making your decsion.

Hi there, 

Late to the group: 

1. 53 yrs old, got a BRCA positive diagnosis in Oct 24. Just to share my experience with you.
   Had ovaries and tubes removed in March 25, and I’m now 8 weeks on from bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction. 
   At 53 I was already in menopause, so ovary removal didn’t upset me too much,  no complications, 2 week recovery. 
   I was in hospital for 5 nights post DIEP, first 2 days very difficult but once out of bed and moving I improved quickly. There is intensive care by nurses to ensure the flap has survived. I went home drain free, and once I had the proper equipment at home for sleeping I was fine. The belly scar is hip to hip, but low and very thin, whole new shape, improved to what I had before, and the scar will fade. My new breasts are great, I was an E cup, now an A/B, lovely shape, delighted. Revision for filling imperfections and nipple construction will be in Sept, then tattoo, then done forever. 
   The thought and fear of the surgery is the worst part, once the first few days are over it’s all improvement from there.
2. Any q’s  just ask.. 
3. I used this equipment for recovery, wouldn’t have been physically able to manage heaps of pillows, these 2 pieces were and still are great. 
   I put the pregnancy pillow on the wedge, and wrap it under my knees.